One day, I attended a space material for a series of PAB Sispala at the vocational school where I go to school. From the many materials or stories from my seniors, there was one thing that caught my attention, namely when one of the seniors said “I am embarrassed if I have friends who like to litter.” That simple sentence made me pause for a moment, thinking whether this was a dig at us who previously often let the trash we used to buy snacks be left carelessly in the drawers of the table where we sat. So far, I have always been indifferent to the trash I produce from my many daily activities.
I felt touched by that simple sentence from my senior, I began to reflect that it turns out that in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the world that continues to move, there are a handful of people who care about the environment where they live, even with small efforts, they continue to act to help open the minds of many people.
Sure enough, after participating in many nature lover activities, I found a new fact, namely that our environment is currently not in good condition. We can witness and feel that the weather is increasingly unpredictable. My senior said, in the past the rhythm of rain could be memorized through the calendar months ending in the word “mber”, approximately from September onwards. But what is happening now, the rhythm of rain has fallen more often outside of predictions that are not yet the right time. In the phrase of rural people in Java who are mostly farmers, they call it “udan salah mongso” (rain in the wrong season). Furthermore, we can also feel that our air quality has also deteriorated, while mountains of garbage are everywhere. However, what is more worrying is when concern for this problem is considered to be the business of other people, the government, activists, or international organizations. In fact, the earth is our common home, a place that we borrow to live in, and enjoy its beauty. Maybe it is only right that we who live in it should also help maintain its sustainability.
This is where the role of young people becomes so important. Young people have something that is hard to match: energy, fresh ideas, and adaptability. But more than that, young people also have the courage to not be silent. We see them taking to the streets in climate action, voicing change through digital content, forming urban farming communities, and running small, environmentally friendly businesses. It’s not all big, but small movements and actions, no matter how simple, will still have an impact.
I remember my personal experience when I participated in mangrove conservation activities at Laguna Pantai Baros, Yogyakarta. At that time, after the Covid storm hit, we carried out a mangrove planting and conservation work program. We didn’t just plant mangroves and then go home with selfies and a sense of satisfaction. We had to come every week to monitor the growth of the plants; measure the height of the mangroves, clean up trash that disturbed the planting area, and even build a fence to protect it from animals or waves that could damage it, or maybe trash carried by the current that could hinder the growth of the mangroves.
All of that requires consistency, not just a burning initial intention. Why consistency? Because it is the Key. From that activity, I learned one important thing: we always try to give our best, but everyone has their own busyness and routine. When we slowly started to leave the location, the plants we left behind were gone or dead. The place was indeed interesting to visit, but only a few were really involved in conservation activities. Now, the place has returned to being a tourist destination like before. Actually, we didn’t really leave, but sometimes tiredness arises, especially when we try to do conservation activities, while on the other hand, many visitors come maybe just to enjoy the atmosphere. It doesn’t mean we don’t like it, but previously we were used to the tranquility and togetherness in a place that was not too crowded. Now, the place has been visited quite a lot, so it is a bit difficult for us to do activities freely as usual.
From that experience, I learned that protecting the environment is not a matter of one day of action, but a matter of long-term commitment. We are not planting for the sake of photos, but for the sake of the future. We are not cleaning the beach for the sake of content, but to keep our shared home livable.
The criticism that often arises is that the actions of young people are sometimes too idealistic, seem unrealistic, or are just a trend, fomo they say. But is that wrong? In fact, from that idealism, big dreams can be born that change the course of history. In the past, it was also young people who initiated independence, formed social movements, and inspired culture. Now, they are taking on a role again, namely to save the future that is increasingly being eroded by the climate crisis.
Of course, not everyone can lead a movement, or is willing to take the trouble to get involved in the small actions that exist. But that role does not always have to be big and obvious. Reducing plastic waste, sorting waste at home, bringing your own tumbler, voicing messages through social media, or maybe as simple as getting used to throwing cigarette butts in an ashtray. Such small movements are actually enough to grow a great feeling, namely a feeling of loving and siding with the earth. The main point of this writing is awareness and consistency.
Sometimes we like to think, “What can I do? When I am just one person.” But big changes often start from one voice, one step, and one action. Never underestimate the power of small courage. Because when one person has dared to start, others will surely follow, indeed not all, but everything certainly needs stages to develop. And suddenly, we are no longer one, but have become a broader and more comprehensive movement.
Today, we are faced with an important question: Will we be the generation that is silent when the earth cries for help, or will we be the generation that stands up and answers its call? I believe young people can answer it loudly. Not only through words, but also through actions that start simply. Come on, start now! “Every small step we take, means something for the earth. So, what are you waiting for?”
Author :Lutfi Rahman Chalish, Sispala Gramasurya / Child Campaigner Jogja